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1929
2013
(News article) A man whose good cheer and skill in mixing cocktails during a 37-year bartending career brought customers back for more, George J. "Skip" Smith died Monday in Kingston of Sylvania. He was 83.
His health declined after his wife, Irene, died 15 months ago.
"He died of a broken heart, he really did," his daughter Christine Frugh said. Mr. Smith, formerly of West Toledo, moved to Kingston about four years ago. His wife later joined him.
Mr. Smith didn't say how he came to bartending, but "that was his profession," daughter Christine said. "He was very well-known."
He spent the first 17 years of his mixology career at the Hillcrest Hotel. Liberace was among the near-downtown hotel's famous guests during Mr. Smith's tenure. He was at John Krotzer's Steaks on Monroe Street for 20 years, retiring when the restaurant closed in 1996.
"He was a character," daughter Christine said. "He was very personable and loved to be around people. He was a quick wit, smiling and making jokes, always making you feel welcome.
"He brought 'em in. He kept business going," she said "You'd go back to see him and sit and chat with him."
His daughter Georgean Koka added: "He was a happy kind of person, uplifting."
He could field nearly any request.
"My dad made the best grasshoppers and margaritas," daughter Christine said, "and not too many people can make a good old-fashioned grasshopper."
For five years after retirement, he was a salesman at Standard Loan, the downtown pawn shop owned by daughter Georgean and son-in-law Nicholas Koka. "He was the life of the store," Georgean said.
He was born Oct. 20, 1929, to Bertha and George Smith and grew up in North Toledo. He attended Woodward High School. He was 17 and in the Army, on his way to New York City to be shipped out to Europe, when on Feb. 18, 1947, his train, the Pennsylvania Railroad's Red Arrow, plunged over an embankment near Altoona, Pa. The initial death toll was 25. More than 100 others were injured. Mr. Smith suffered a shattered leg.
He rarely brought up the crash. Recently he said that he had switched from his window seat at the request of the man next to him, who wanted to rest his head against the window. Not long after, the train left the rails. The man was killed.
"To the day he died, he thought about that," his daughter Christine said.
He was 8 when he became a pinsetter at Mercury Lanes on Stickney Avenue. As an adult, he bowled in leagues for decades.
Mr. Smith and his wife married Sept. 4, 1950. She died Oct. 20, 2011.
Surviving are his daughters, Georgean Koka, Christine Frugh, and Suzanne Jablonski; seven grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be 2-8 p.m. Friday in the Sujkowski Funeral Home Northpointe, with a Scripture service at 7 p.m. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday in Regina Coeli Church, of which he was a charter member.
The family suggests tributes to Hospice of Northwest Ohio.
11 Entries
Georgean, Chris and Family,
You Girls have been on my mind - and then I heard of your Dad's passing. You will remain in my heart and prayers. His legacy lives within you!
Cindy (Berry) Danko-Southey
January 20, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss. I met your father 50 + years ago and have always remembered your Dad's smile. He was a special guy and I know from all of you a great father. My prayers are with all of you and your family.
Gary Zdawczyk
January 19, 2013
Sorry to hear about "Skip". My father & skip used to talk @ Kingston about the old days @ Krotzers. We new him since back in 1970's. Will miss him and his smiling face! Dads gone too so maybe they are both up there talking about old times. God Bless your family.
lynn fish
January 17, 2013
So sorry for your loss. I knew "Skip" from Glass Bowl Lanes, I worked there for 20 years, and Skip would stop in after closing Krotzers for a night cap. He was always a gentlemen!
Diane (Fain) McRitchie
January 17, 2013
I am "Skip's" uncle, brother to his mother, Bertha. "Skip" was older than I. I had many good times with "Skip", I also set pins at Mercry Bowling Alley. As I worked for Owens Illinois most of the times I was in Toledo,I would make it a point to see "Skip".
Many times I stayed at the Hillcrest where I spent time with Skip as bartender.
All my condolences to his family. I would like to communicate with his children.
Robert J Myers (Mierzejewski)
January 17, 2013
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by God, also by the words in the Bible at Philemon 4-7 along with the support and love of your family and friends.
Deborah Richardson
January 17, 2013
My sincere sympathy is extended to the family of cousin "Skip". As a child I remember well the parties held at his mother and dad's home. He and his beautiful sister Rosemarie made sure everyone had a fun time. May he make it to heaven quickly.
Norma (Meyers) Schmansky
January 16, 2013
You will be sadly missed our dear friend. Love, Becky & Jim
January 16, 2013
To the family of "Skip" Smith,
Your father was truly one of a kind. We became aquainted with him during our many trips to Krotzers. He always knew what we wanted before we sat down. He was the reason we patronizes the place. Am sure you have a lot of good memories as we also have. Our thoughts are with you.
Skip & Karen Dress
January 16, 2013
Chris, George and family, Our sincere Condolences to you and your family. -Judi and Merl
January 16, 2013
Georgean, Chris, Sue and Family,
Your dad was always smiling and dressed to the "T". May your happy memories keep you during this difficult time. Prayers and sympathy to all.
Bob and Marian Lawrence
January 16, 2013
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